Sport

Dragons teen Hallam Amos is showing his class - Danny Wilson

FORMER Wales Under-20s boss Danny Wilson expects his successor is feeling the nerves while he waits for confirmation that key player Hallam Amos will be heading to the Junior World Championship, writes Chris Kirwan.

Wilson, who was in charge of the Newport Gwent Dragons forwards between 2010 and 2012, was head coach when the Welsh youngsters finished as runners-up in last year's tournament in France.

His deputy Byron Hayward has since taken over the reins and has selected Dragons ace Hallam Amos in his 28-strong squad for June's competition in New Zealand.

However, the full-back/wing is aiming to force his way into the senior party that will play two Tests and a friendly in South Africa this summer so that he can add to the cap he won against Tonga last autumn.

Scarlets coach Wilson saw in Llanelli last weekend that Amos is in fine form and believe the 19-year-old could have a big impact Down Under.

"Hallam more than showed what he is capable of against us," said the former hooker, who is joining Bristol next season. "He is a great threat, give him a loose field to counter-attack and he will hurt you.

"I am really pleased for Hallam that he has continued to make progress this season. I am sure Byron has got his fingers crossed that he heads to New Zealand this summer rather than to South Africa."

Amos, centre Jack Dixon, hooker Elliot Dee and back row forward James Benjamin were selected by Wilson in the matchday squad that was pipped by England in the final last year. They are set to try and go one better along with seven of their regional teammates.

Wilson said: "Credit to the Dragons, they are producing a lot of young talent that is playing first team rugby at the moment and they will be all the better for that. I am sure they will see the fruits of their labour over the coming years."